In Ireland, we are such a small market that we have to respond accordingly and irrespective of our local preferences, we are on the no-choice low emission journey in the car world as a result.

Here we take a look at the new cars expected for 2020 from across the brands where there are new models in the pipelines of the European motor industry.

In our glimpse of the new cars coming for 2020 what is obvious is the range of hybrid drives on the way. Rural drivers need more diesel hybrid drive options and these are on the way mainly from German manufacturers to signal a better future.

Audi

Audi will be putting more emphasis on electric cars in 2020, as the impressive e-Tron gets more exposure on the market. There will be more electric and hybrid cars in the company’s range by the end of next year, including much-awaited diesel hybrids. There is also a new A4 on the way, along with upgrades for the A5 and the Q7 large SUV.

BMW

BMW will add to its electrically powered and plug-in hybrid vehicle ranges, with numerous updated plug-in hybrid models, including the new X3 xDrive30e and the X1 xDrive25e joining the range in early 2020. BMW also has a new 1 Series model on the way, as well as a new 3 Series Touring or estate model.

The BMW X3 xDrive30e plug-in hybrid has an all-electric range of up to 50km and claims a combined economy of 45km/l (128.4mpg), using a combination of a hybrid drivetrain, a 2.0l four-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology, combined with an electric motor resulting in a total output of 252hp.

Citroën

The new Citroën C5 Aircross SUV Hybrid is the first step in Citroën’s electrification plan.

Starting with the new C5 Aircross SUV Hybrid, all new models launched by the French marque will feature an electrified version, proof of Citroën’s commitment to a responsible energy transition for the mass market, offering models inspired by customers’ needs tailored to as many people as possible, for each segment and in each market.

Ford

Ford has a lot of new car offers for 2020, including a new Puma model and updates for the Galaxy and S-Max people carrier models, for which it remains market leader. These new models will come with greater comfort and improved connectivity for drivers and passengers. Ford also aims to unveil an all-electric SUV version, based on the Mustang sports car in 2020.

Honda

Honda has a new Honda-e electric car on the way.

Honda’s “Electric Vision” strategy commits the company to electrify 100% of its European automobile sales by 2025. The first step in this plan was the launch of CR-V Hybrid.

Honda has unveiled the new Honda-e car, which goes into mass production in 2020. The company has also announced that the next-generation Jazz is to be 100% hybrid in the European market.

Hyundai

Hyundai continues to perform well on the Irish market and there is a new i10 car on the way for 2020. The company has announced key investments in three hydrogen companies – Impact Coatings, H2Pro and GRZ Technologies to strengthen its leadership position in the global hydrogen fuel cell ecosystem.

Jaguar

Jaguar Land Rover has revealed plans to manufacture a range of new electrified vehicles in the UK. The first new electric car to be produced at the plant will be Jaguar’s flagship luxury saloon, the XJ. Jaguar has taken electric drive to a new level with the I-Pace SUV.

Jeep

Jeep in Ireland will be offering a plug-in hybrid version of the Renegade and Compass models in 2020. These SUVs both combine the power of a new 1.3l engine with a hybrid drive system.

The models use a new electric all-wheel-drive technology (eAWD), where traction to the rear axle is not provided by a prop shaft, but instead through a dedicated electric motor.

Kia

After scooping up awards for its electric cars in 2019, Kia has a range of new upgrades for 2020. The Picanto city car gets the addition of Integrated Stop and Go (ISG) on all vehicles equipped with a manual gearbox.

The Ceed has also come in for a technology boost for the 2020 model year, with upgrades to the satellite navigation system displays on all versions. Earlier in the year, 48-volt mild hybrid technology was added to selected diesel models in the Sportage line-up.

Land Rover

The big news at Land Rover is the arrival of the new Defender in 2020. This is a total redesign of the iconic model and prices look hefty at this early stage, but its legendary off-road ability is claimed to be intact.

Mazda

Mazda has a new SUV called the MX-30 on the market for 2020.

Mazda’s first production electric car, the Mazda MX-30, will go on sale in 2020. Mazda claims that it stands apart as a battery electric vehicle developed for customers who don’t want to sacrifice driving pleasure when they buy an electric car. The car has unique freestyle doors, ecological materials and right-sized battery, giving a range of approximately 200km.

Mercedes Benz

Mercedes-Benz launched its all-electric EQV model in recent weeks and there will be more electric car and SUV options in the range for 2020. The company is planning the construction of six new battery factories to support the conversion to electric power, as it aims to have 20 new plug-in hybrid options by 2020.

Mini

The big news from MINI for 2020 will be the arrival of an all-electric version. The concept has been on trial for a number of years and BMW, the MINI owners, have opted for a system similar to that used in the BMW i3 electric car, with a range extending petrol engine.

Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi upgraded its Outlander PHEV, a plug-in hybrid, with the new model available in three versions; Intense, Instyle and S-Edition.

Mitsubishi claims a 45km range and says the SUV still retains an A1 taxation class. Diesel versions of the Outlander will continue to be available.

Nissan

Nissan's new Juke model comes with some styling changes and improved engines.

Nissan has a new Juke for 2020. The first deliveries will start in mid-November, and will be available in five different grades – XE, SV, SV Premium, SVE and N-Design. The entry-grade XE model will be available from just €21,995 rising to €26,950 for the range-topping, fully equipped SVE and N-Design grade versions.

Opel

Opel has a number of new models in line for 2020 and electric and hybrid power options will be included in most models. It has a new Astra and Corsa model on the way, along with its full electric Vivano van range. The electric version of the Corsa will be called the Corsa-e, with a claimed range of 330km.

There will be a new Grandland X Hybrid 4 model in the range for 2020, as the distribution of the Opel range in Ireland changes hands to the Gowan Group, importers of the Peugeot and Honda ranges.

Peugeot

Peugeot will start the year with the launch of the new 208. This new model comes with a range of modern engine options including electric drive. Retail prices start from €18,300 plus delivery related charges, for the Active 1.2 PureTech 75bhp model.

Peugeot will also have a new 508 Hybrid range on sale in Ireland from December when prices and specifications are announced, with first units arriving in early 2020.

Renault

Renault's new Captur will be available in 2020.

Renault’s fifth generation of the Clio has landed for 2020 deliveries. The new car has a totally refreshed exterior styling combined with new interior design and is built on a new manufacturing platform that’s 50kg lighter than in the past. Renault has upgrade of the ZOE with a substantial restyle. In 2020, Renault will launch a new Captur which will build on the success of its predecessor with a significant increase in size and interior space.

SEAT

SEAT Ireland recently announced details of its ‘201’ Sales Event offers, which includes 0% PCP Finance rates across the entire SEAT model range. The brand is also offering customers a discount of up to €2,000 on selected models. There is a €1,000 discount voucher on the Ibiza and Arona, €1,500 voucher available on the Ateca, and a €2,000 voucher available on the Leon and the Tarraco.

Skoda

Skoda has a new Kamiq small SUV on the market for 2020. The Octavia gets a substantial upgrade while the big Superb model has more styling and features.

Tesla

Tesla Model 3 is now available in right hand drive for the Irish and UK markets and the company plans to unveil its all-electric pick-up truck before the end of this year. It will be a few years before we expect to see it on the Irish market.

Toyota

Demand for Toyota’s range of self-charging hybrids has been strong in 2019 with Toyota growing its market share to 10.4% based almost exclusively on sales of hybrids. Toyota claims that hybrid is the fastest growing powertrain in Ireland in terms of volume over the last four years.

Volkswagen

Volkswagen Ireland announced details of its 201 campaign which encourages customers to Bring the Change and move into a new Volkswagen model. For 2020 Volkswagen features a thoroughly revised line-up.

The addition recently of the new Passat, including the Passat GTE plug-in hybrid, means that the Volkswagen range includes the latest EU6 petrol, diesel, electric and now plug-in hybrid vehicles.

Volvo

Volvo Cars aims to reduce its lifecycle carbon footprint per car by 40 per cent by 2025. Every new Volvo launched will be electrified and the company will disclose the average lifecycle carbon footprint of each new model.